by Last night, as I was eating pizza with my friends after a grueling CrossFit workout, a server came up to our table, stared me up and down and said, “Is that the real deal (prosthetic) or is it just some brace?” I’m sure this person meant no ill will with his intent, but words “just some brace” struck a chord. As someone who is going on three years in the ExoSym (IDEO) this fall, this is not “just some brace.” In fact, it’s not a brace, it’s a device and an incredible piece of technology — and it is me. After hearing my reply that I still had my leg, the gentleman turned around and walked off before I could explain further and I thought to myself, “If you only knew…”
To think how far I’ve come in “just some brace” and how it has transformed my life is pretty ExoSymplyAmazing. Hard to put into words at times. As dinner carried on, I thought to myself: (1) I can let this person’s comment get to me or (2) I can choose to remind myself of who I am and how far I’ve come and will continue to go. ⋆ Here’s the thing: You can’t change what people will say or think about you, but you do have the power to choose your response to them. Instead of letting someone’s judgements rattle you, choose to let it be an opportunity to let that inner light shine. Release your strong overcoming spirit. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of who YOU ARE and it won’t matter what anyone says to you or looks at you like – because you know YOUR journey. YOU are an overcomer and YOU walk that road every day. ♥
So, carry on my friends. Keep your head up and remember who you are. Stay strong. Be brave. Be bold. Be proud to be you.
{Oh and sir, in case you were wondering, in “just some brace”, I just did 48 box jumps (4 sets of 12), 300 jump ropes (3 sets of 100), 36 kipping pull-ups (3 sets of 12), 800m sprints (4 sets of 200m), 18 power snatches (3 sets of 6), 42 deadlifts (7 sets of 6), 48 situps (4 sets of 12) and 70 burpees (7 sets of 10). And that was just today}. ☺ #letyourlightshine
Next up on the 2016 ExoSym Bucket List, I’ll be competing in the Catalyst Games (a 3-day team CrossFit competition in Austin, TX next Fri-Sun) and only four weeks left until ExoSym Patient Liz E. & I ride in the Hotter than Hell 100mi bike race! Always have a goal. Always believe in yourself.
#beYOU #beAMAZING #ExoSymplyAmazing
ExoSymplyAmazing 
Just some brace? Guess he is just some waiter. Nothing special … Keep on being your badass self Beth!!
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I think the waitstaff were swinging for the fences last night. I also was ask last night while out with friends ‘ what’s wrong with you ?’ I wear KAFOs different but the same. My reply was there is nothing wrong with me. He said ‘ no, I meant your leg’. I insisted ‘ what, what is wrong with my leg’?. He sent a different waitstaff to our table. I am proud of where I am, I am upright, and I am overcoming with God’s help.
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So true, Raylene. Proud of you. Stay strong and keep being YOU, girl! XO
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great blog Beth! sometimes I want to paint an info sheet onto my device!! I also have days were the comments are OK and days were it’s hard to handle – depending on my mood and energy! I generally welcome an opportunity to explain what’s going on, I have got it down to a fine art especially for strangers that you will never see again. What bugs me sometimes (again depends on mood) is people that don;t really care or listen and ask you just to give them an ‘in’ to talk about themselves or there friends aunty….who had a broken ankle or pulled achilles etc etc and relating like it’s similar! I get – “how long do you have to wear THAT boot for?” When I say “the rest of my life” with a big smile on my face – they are floored!! But yes thanks – remembering to keep that inner strength is what matters 🙂
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Totally understand where you are coming from, Jennie. ♥ You keep that inner light shining & beautiful strength alive always. Hugs! XO
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As my friends and family “meet” my device that’s often the response I get .. a doubtful look and a “so what’s next?”! I don’t mind at all telling them that this is it!! I feel like I rock my device 🙂 I do have to get some more footwear before I’m holding my Gig Harbor tennies together with duct tape 🙂 ! People truly don’t understand the gift of being able to walk. I think it’s true for all of us ( it certainly was true for me ) we take the basics for granted until we lose or are in danger of losing them.
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So true Karen. It’s a gift many people take for granted… Keep going girl – you keep rocking it sista! XO
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